and broke out
singing. They were Cornish-men and knew no music-hall songs--"It's a
long way to Tipperary" or anything of the sort. Led by a fugleman in
the first brake, they started--singing it in fine harmonies--

"He's the Lily--of the Valley,
O--my--soul!"

So the first batch of men from Polpier were rattled through the
street and away up the hill. The crowd lingered awhile and
dispersed, gossiping, to Church or Chapel.

Nicky-Nan, seated on the parapet of the bridge, unfolded the blue
paper which the young officer had thrust into his hand. He was alone
and could study it at leisure.

It was headed by the Royal Arms, and it ran as follows:--

R.V. 53.
Actual Service Form.

From To
The Registrar of Naval Reserve, Royal Navy Reserve Man,
Port of Troy. NICHOLAS NANJIVELL,
Polpier.

NOTICE TO MEN OF ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE TO JOIN THE ROYAL NAVY.

HIS MAJESTY THE KING having issued His Proclamation calling into
Active Service, under the Act 22 & 23 Vict. c. 40, the ROYAL NAVAL
RESERVE FORCE in which you are enrolled, you are required to report
yourself at once in uniform and with your Certificate R.V. 2 at
12 noon o'clock on August 2nd at the Custom House, St Martin's,
Cornwall.

You will be forthwith despatched to the Naval Depot and should bring
with you any necessary articles.

Should absence from home prevent your receiving this notice in time
to attend at once or at the hour specified, you should on its receipt
proceed forthwith to the Mercantile Marine Office named.

Failure to report yourself without delay will render you liable to
arrest as a Deserter.

Note.--Reasonable expenses incurred in travelling from your home will
be allowed.

By command,
Joshua Johns, Registrar.
Dated this Second day of August 1914.

CHAPTER IV.

THE FIRST SERMON.

Some ten minutes after the brakes had departed, Mrs Polsue and Miss
Oliver, bound for divine service, encountered at the corner where
Jolly Hill unites with Bridge Street, and continued their way
together up the Valley road.

"Good-morning! This is terrible news," said Miss Oliver, panting a
little, for she had tripped down the hill in a great hurry.

"I have been expecting it for a long while," responded